In a surprising style shift, the unlikely muse of 2022 has emerged—Barbie. Contrasting the goth girl summer’s emo attitude, Barbiecore is all about embracing a sickeningly-sweet and vibrant aesthetic centered around the iconic Barbie doll. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s film has ignited this trend, and celebrities and fashionistas alike are embracing the pretty in pink look with enthusiasm.
Margot Robbie herself has been setting the bar high, exuding a blonde bombshell vibe on the film’s set. She’s been seen strutting confidently in Western flares paired with a waistcoat and rollerblading in stretchy ’80s neon gym gear, reminiscent of Jane Fonda’s home exercise videos on acid. Her on-screen Ken, Ryan Gosling, complements her looks with a fresh bleached hairdo.
Not to be outdone, real-life lovebirds Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly have also taken up the Barbiecore challenge. At the premiere of Machine Gun Kelly’s documentary, “Life In Pink,” the couple stole the show with their matching pink rinses, embodying a real-life Barbie and Ken. Both opted for outfits by London-based designers, with Megan stunning in 2021 LVMH Prize winner Nensi Dojaka and MGK showcasing rising star Chet Lo’s designs. Megan continued her Barbie-inspired looks the next day, donning metallic separates by The Andamane, beautifully complemented by a crystal-choked mini bag from L’Alingi.
Joining the Barbiecore parade is none other than Kim Kardashian, who temporarily ditched her gothic black Balenciaga lycra for powder pink pantaboots, accompanied by a cropped zip-up hoodie and an encrusted Balenciaga Hourglass bag.
While Barbie pink has become ubiquitous in fashion, credit for its prominence goes to Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino’s creative director. His entire fall 2022 collection was dedicated to the stunning hue, developed in collaboration with Pantone, solidifying its association with the Barbiecore trend.
A-listers have eagerly embraced the Barbiecore look, flaunting pieces from the Valentino collection. Lizzo served a Barbie-esque appearance in a flippy dress, tights, and mega platforms at a recent screening, while Simone Ashley channeled her inner Barbie at the BAFTAs. Even during tours, Dua Lipa has been spotted in Valentino pink off-stage, and Sebastian Stan sported a very Ken-inspired pink ensemble at the Met Gala.
The main message of Barbiecore is clear: more is more. As Aqua’s Barbie anthem “Barbie Girl” plays on repeat, the world of fashion is celebrating the exuberance of the pretty in pink trend, embracing the essence of Barbie in all her vibrant glory.
